Official Duels of K’lais

Challenges, Champions, and Combat

Overview

Official Duels on K’lais serve as the primary method for resolving conflicts, disputes, and challenges of honor. These Duels may result in injury or death; however, any death sustained during a legal, properly overseen Duel carries no punishment under K’laïs law.

Because legal Duels exist as a sanctioned outlet for lethal combat, killing in cold blood is punished with death, as there is no justifiable reason to kill outside the Challenge system.

Issuing a Challenge

A Challenge cannot be refused. Once issued, it must be acknowledged by the recipient. After acknowledgment, the Duel may be:

• Immediate, provided both Duelists have weapons (or weapons can be supplied)
• Scheduled for a later date, time, or specific arena

Refusing a Challenge is treated as an admission of defeat and a concession of the Duel.

Champions

A Duelist may appoint a Champion to fight on their behalf. Champions:

• May be a friend, ally, or hired professional
• Accept or refuse service on a case-by-case basis
• Commonly work through arena networks, though independent Champions advertise through the subnets, arenas, word-of-mouth, or district outlets

Notable Champions

• Avesa De’vuir It’siyo – A known Champion of the 5th District, typically hired through the district’s Dueling Arena.
• Malik Addelia – Former Champion prior to becoming the Master of Ceremonies for the 42nd District.

Champions are a recognized and respected profession within K’lais.

Oversight & Legitimacy

A Duel is overseen by any individual who knows:

• The Twelve Irrefutable Rules
• The Rules of Dueling
• The formal phrasing required to issue a Challenge

All official Duels must be recorded and submitted to the appropriate district channels. Duelists may also choose to schedule their Duel at one of the many Dueling Arenas, though this is not required.

Standard Challenge Dialogue

The typical Challenge announcement follows a strict form:

“Name of Duelist, Champion for Challenger (if acting as Champion), occupation of District or ship, initiated this Challenge.
The Challenged is name, occupation of District.
Do you accept the Challenge, name?”

The Challenged may accept or refuse.
Refusal = automatic defeat.

Example from Scales of Injustice

When Violetta Cq’linns Challenges Ziph Rc’dollph and names Malik Addelia as her Champion:

“I am Malik Addelia, Champion for Violetta Cq’linns, sergeant detective of homicide of K'lais’ 42nd District.
Detective Cq’linns initiated this Challenge.
The Challenged is Detective Ziph Rc’dollph, also a sergeant of homicide of K'lais’ 42nd District.
Do you accept the Challenge, Sergeant Detective Rc’dollph?”

This example also demonstrates that a Champion may act as announcer, which is entirely legal.

Weapons & Combat Protocol

Allowed Weapons

K’lais Duels traditionally use bladed weapons. The favored style includes a sword with a full hand-guard, offering protection even when held in a two-handed stance.

Padded & Alternative Weapons

• Children not yet Of Age use padded or foam weapons.
• Unofficial Duels often permit padded weaponry.
• Official adult Duels generally require blades.

Yielding & Ending a Duel

A Duel may end when:

• One Duelist requests a yield
• A Duelist is unable to continue
• An overseer declares the Duel over due to injury
• One Duelist is rendered unconscious
• Death occurs (though not required)

A verbal yield is not mandatory; an overseer or opponent may interpret incapacity as an implicit surrender.

The Twelve Irrefutable Rules

These ancient rules originate from the clan-wars of Old K’lais. Today, they form the foundation of all sanctioned Duels. Overseers must know them in full. Many Duelists study them strategically to gain advantage.

Cultural Sayings

“The truth lay at the end of the Duel. If your fight is just, you shall emerge victorious.”
A commonly spoken, though not always accurate, proverb associated with K’lais Duel philosophy.